Driving Route : Auckland - Gisborne - Auckland

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Day 2 : Coromandel to Tauranga

Travel time is approximate only, based on an average driving speed under normal road conditions.

	Travel time	Km	(Miles)
Coromandel - Whitianga	0.5 hr	46	29
Whitianga - Whangamata	1 hr	74	46
Whangamata - Tauranga	1.25 hrs	94	59
Totals for Day	2.75 hrs	214	134

Coromandel - Whitianga

46 km (29 miles)
Approximately 0.5 hour
Road Conditions: State Highway

Formerly a gold-mining and timber town, Coromandel is now a haven for artists, craftspeople and conservationists. It has many well-preserved Victorian buildings and an interesting museum. There are several good walks in the area and a railway enthusiast has created an hour-long train trip at Driving Creek.

From Coromandel you can explore the tip of the peninsula—the roads aren't highly developed, so expect slow going. Colville, Port Jackson, Port Charles and Kennedy Bay are known for their untouched beauty.

On your drive to Whitianga you'll notice a side road leading to Whangapoua Beach—a worthwhile detour if you have time. You could also call into Matarangi, a recently developed beach settlement. Kuaotunu is another area of pretty beaches.

The beach town of Whitianga is home to a fishing fleet—expect to eat some excellent seafood while you're here. Best things to do include surfing, surf casting and beach walks. Catch the ferry to the south side of the harbour—a short taxi ride will take you to Cooks Beach.

Whitianga - Whangamata

74 km (46 miles)
Approximately 1 hour
Road Conditions: State Highway

The road south gives you the opportunity to visit Hot Water Beach, where geothermally heated water bubbles up through the sand. At low tide you can dig your own spa.

Another highlight of this journey is the walk to spectacular Cathedral Cove, which begins at Hahei. If you have time, indulge in a round of golf at Pauanui or enjoy fish and chips in Tairua.

Whangamata is one of the country's most attractive surf towns. Enjoy the beach, cafes and bush walks. Dive and fishing tours are easily arranged. You can also hire bikes, windsurfers and kayaks.

Several charter companies run day trips to Mayor Island, which is actually the summit of a volcano rising from the sea floor.

Whangamata - Tauranga

94 km (59 miles)
Approximately 1.25 hours
Road Conditions: State Highway

Whangamata is one of the country's most attractive surf towns. Enjoy the beach, cafes and bush walks. Dive and fishing tours are easily arranged. You can also hire bikes, windsurfers and kayaks. Several charter companies run day trips to Mayor Island, which is actually the summit of a volcano rising from the sea floor.

The journey to Tauranga will take you past historic Waihi, a gold mining town. You'll enjoy the fresh green scenery of the Athenree Gorge before you come across the town of Katikati, known for its murals.

Roadside stalls are an opportunity to buy seasonal fruit, such as oranges, kiwifruit and avocados. Closer to Tauranga, roads on the left offer detours to the beach towns of Te Puna and Omokoroa.

The prosperous city of Tauranga sprawls along the edge of an attractive harbour.

There's a well developed café culture and boat charters are available to take you big game fishing, snorkelling or dolphin watching. Nearby Mt Maunganui is a destination for surfing and beach walking.